Australian Catholic University
1 year part-time
This 1-year part-time online Graduate Certificate expands your clinical nursing expertise through specialised study in areas like cardiac care, intensive care, surgical, and gerontological nursing. Designed for registered nurses seeking advanced knowledge and skills in specialty practice with a person-centred, evidence-based approach.
To be eligible for admission, you must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent qualification and hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you may be eligible for credit towards your qualification. Prior learning and work experience aligned with course learning outcomes may also be recognised.
The program comprises 40 credit points delivered across four terms. Core units include Advanced Pathophysiology for Specialty Nursing Practice and Evidence-based, Person-centred Family Care in Specialty Nursing Practice. Clinical Nursing units cover specialty-specific content. Nine specialisations are available: Cardiac Care (acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, ECG interpretation, cardiac rehabilitation); Intensive Care (critical care concepts, ICU pathologies, polypharmacy); Surgical Nursing (pre-operative, post-operative care, surgical safety); Gerontological Nursing (aged-related conditions, risk assessment, elder care); Medical Nursing (acute and chronic conditions, infection control); Renal Nursing (acute renal conditions, dialysis, vascular access); Neuroscience Nursing (neurological conditions, critical care); Perioperative Nursing (operating theatre environment, pain management); and Correctional Health (prisoner mental health, chronic conditions, accelerated ageing).
Australian Catholic University is a leading provider of nursing education with a strong commitment to student-centred collaborative learning. The program is delivered online through ACU Online, providing flexibility for working professionals. ACU offers comprehensive support including scholarships, recognition of prior learning, and access to experienced nursing academics. The university emphasises evidence-based practice, person-centred care, and the development of critical thinking skills essential for specialty nursing practice.
Graduates can pursue diverse career pathways in clinical nursing specialties including Clinical Nurse Specialist roles, Nursing Education positions, and Clinical Leadership and Management roles within specialty areas and healthcare services. The qualification opens opportunities for community nursing, intensive care specialist positions, cardiac care roles, surgical nursing specialties, and further postgraduate study and research. Graduates are well-positioned for advancement in their chosen specialty area with enhanced clinical expertise and evidence-based practice capabilities.
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